The Gatorade State Boys Basketball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 fall season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.
For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Frank Jackson
THE BASICS
School: Lone Peak (Highland, Utah)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 195 pounds
Athletic achievement: He led the Knights to a 21-5 record and the quarterfinals of the Class 5A state championship this past season. Jackson averaged 28.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. A two-time First Team All-State honoree, he received USA TODAY American Family Insurance ALL-USA Utah First Team recognition and has been selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game. Jackson was also named a Second Team Naismith Trophy All-American.
Academic excellence: Jackson has maintained a 3.46 GPA.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, he has volunteered locally on behalf of a homeless shelter and youth basketball clinics.
THE PRAISE
“Jackson is as talented a player as I’ve seen in 12-plus years coaching high school basketball in Utah,” said Skyler Wilson, head coach at Riverton High. “He’s on another level with his athleticism, shooting and finishing at the basket.”
THE FUTURE: Jackson has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at Duke University this fall.
